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Plumeria care #181275

Asked May 13, 2014, 3:06 PM EDT

I was given a 5-1/2 ft plumeria which is in a 10" pot. The soil looks horrible and the roots are coming out the bottom. I'm sure that I should do something, but I'm not sure what. Should I cut the pot off and replant in a 12" pot with good potting soil?
I was told that it is best to keep it in the pot so you can move it to the garage when it gets colder here in Houston. I was planning to put it in the middle of my hibiscus which are planted in the ground and partially plant the pot. My purple lantana should eventually cover the pot and hide it. Then I can just remove it and put it in the garage when it gets colder until springtime.
Since I don't know what I'm doing, I figured that I should ask the experts instead of just guessing. Any suggestion that you have would be appreciated, especially regarding the care of the plant during the year.
Thanks in advance for your time and help.

Harris County Texas

Expert Response

You can set a pot in the ground and then dig, cut roots and bring in for winter. These plants can tolerate having their roots cut. For now remove the current pot and repot in a larger container, cutting roots if needed to make it fit. Then water and keep the soil moist, not soggy while it establishes roots. You can plant it outdoors on another couple of weeks in its new home. Fertilize with a soluble plant food monthly. Or you can apply a granular product applying a half cup  in a 6 foot diameter area around the plant (to 3' out from trunk on all sides). Scratch it into the soil surface if possible and water it in well. Make the granular fertilizer application a week after planting and again in mid summer.

Robert "Skip" Richter Replied May 14, 2014, 9:50 AM EDT

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